Any alternative to a Submariner?

yinzerniner · Apr 29, 2015

So everyone knows the Submariner is an icon and possibly the greatest "do everything" watch ever created. I hold a soft spot in my heart for it and am 90% committed to purchasing one soon, but before actually committing and/or giving in, would anyone know of any alternatives? What I'd like to see is:

-Available on a bracelet
-At least 100m water resistance with screw down crown (would like to use this while sailing, waterskiing, swimming, all water-based activities)
-Modern size (at least 38mm - anything smaller, even with minimal bezels, looks wrong on my wrist)
-Fantastic history and pedigree (movement and case mostly - I'm not that concerned about the "Brand" since there are plenty of not well known brands that used great movements and had great designs)
-Cost of entry equivalent or below that of the Submariner

The only ones I can think of off the top of my head are the Omega SM300, the various Supercompressor models, and Seiko 6105 models.

If anyone could throw out a few suggestions I'd greatly appreciate it.

SeanO · Apr 30, 2015

50 fathoms

STANDY · Apr 30, 2015

JLC diver

Nobel Prize · Apr 30, 2015

Planet Ocean line. particularly the 2500 cal that has a slimmer profile but if you don't mind a little more presence on your wrist a PO 8500 or 2500 will stand all your criteria.

the SMP300 c and the Master coaxial. the SMPc is a lot of watch for it's price point and will stand through anything. It does have some originality of design with the polygon ceramic bezel. the master coaxial is more of an iconic design, more dressy and easily identifiable by the vintage style color lume.

All of these will stand their ground against a submariner and have several variations in design (blue and black dials, Chrono versions, precious metals etc)...but the submariner still holds it's value a little bit better long term. I personally am not completely sold on the new submariners with the thicker bezel and would go for an older version.

Here are some stock pictures.

yinzerniner · Apr 30, 2015

@SeanO & @STANDY
Thanks for the suggestions, and yes both the JLC and Blancpain divers are utterly gorgeous. However, I think they are an even HIGHER price entry point than the Submariner, unless I'm mistaken? They are both grail watches though., just look at them:

@Nobel Prize
I've actually been considering the new SM300 Master Coax, and I presently own a 2254.50, which many consider a "new classic," however I was looking to possibly branch out past the Omega umbrella even though it's cozy underneath. And while I adore my 2254.50 I also feel like the movement, while rock solid, is still just a reworked ETA and there's not as much history behind the design as lovely as it is.

Any other suggestions from the crowd?

Modest_Proposal · Apr 30, 2015

And...

Nobel Prize · Apr 30, 2015

Bremont?

Modest_Proposal · Apr 30, 2015

Maybe this would fit the bill?

Nobel Prize · Apr 30, 2015

Btw, I entered a search for best divers and this is what came out. Not particularly recommending any, just a curiosity.

yinzerniner · Apr 30, 2015

Modest_Proposal
Maybe this would fit the bill?

Wow, I've never seen this before. Looks like an exceedingly complicated movement, and also the WR must be pretty low given the complexity. But I do love me some Universal Geneve

Modest_Proposal · Apr 30, 2015

yinzerniner
Wow, I've never seen this before. Looks like an exceedingly complicated movement, and also the WR must be pretty low given the complexity. But I do love me some Universal Geneve

Just don't expect to go diving with these. 😜 They're from the 1960's.

They're uncommon and becoming more in demand every year. Still, you can find them.

Darlinboy · Apr 30, 2015

The JLC Vintage Diver is amazing on the wrist! On my list if I ever ho modern again. 😀

yinzerniner · Apr 30, 2015

Darlinboy
The JLC Vintage Diver is amazing on the wrist! On my list if I ever ho modern again. 😀

Nice typo, although I prefer to "ho postmodern"
But for real, thanks for the suggestions and a JLC is definitely in my Mt Rushmore of grail pieces.

Nobel Prize · Apr 30, 2015

On that note you can get the JLC navy seal for around 8g or under. (the non chronograph)

Frunkinator · Apr 30, 2015

You guys are missing the obvious...
Tag Aquaracer WAN2110 is almost identical. It's one if the reasons I sold it. People kept asking if it was a Rolex.

Nobel Prize · Apr 30, 2015

I love my Tag, first actual worthy watch I had and I still wear it.

They do have an uncanny gift to mimick other brands though.

yinzerniner · Apr 30, 2015

Frunkinator
You guys are missing the obvious...
Tag Aquaracer WAN2110 is almost identical. It's one if the reasons I sold it. People kept asking if it was a Rolex.

I think that's one of the issues; its TOO similar to the Submariner, and there's really no history nor inspiration behind it. And I've heard and witnessed too many issues with modern Tags to trust them anymore (post-2000)
Vintage Heuers are a totally different breed though

Frunkinator · Apr 30, 2015

yinzerniner
I think that's one of the issues; its TOO similar to the Submariner, and there's really no history nor inspiration behind it. And I've heard and witnessed too many issues with modern Tags to trust them anymore (post-2000)
Vintage Heuers are a totally different breed though

True, but it's certainly a good alternative looks wise. Plus will save you about 6k.

Nobel Prize · Apr 30, 2015

If you want a historical.model the Seiko 6105. The most reliable and used watch by soldiers during the Vietnam era. Their issue watches could not withstand the conditions and Seikos where cheap, available In Asia and reliable.

Also worn by sheen in apocalypse now.

calalum · Apr 30, 2015

Love those JLCs.

Any alternative to a Submariner?

yinzerniner

SeanO

STANDY

Nobel Prize

yinzerniner

Modest_Proposal

Nobel Prize

Modest_Proposal

Nobel Prize

yinzerniner

Modest_Proposal

Darlinboy

yinzerniner

Nobel Prize

Frunkinator

Nobel Prize

yinzerniner

Frunkinator

Nobel Prize

calalum

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